San Venanzio Gorge Reserve: Guided hike on the Uccule route – Abruzzo, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

The ‘Via delle Uccole’ is the striking path that goes halfway up the hillside inside the San Venanzio Gorges. Following the numerous ‘Uccole (mouths) we will go to discover one of the most striking hydraulic works in the Abruzzo region. In fact, we will follow the route of an ancient aqueduct, probably built in Italic times to convey the waters of the Aterno River to Castrum Radiani and Corfinium, the first capital of Italy.
The aqueduct, characterized by its frequent vents, as many as 134 of them, is more than 5 kilometers long and runs northward along the southwestern ridge of the San Venanzio Gorges, a nature reserve and important ecological corridor connecting the Majella Park and the Sirente Velino Regional Nature Park.
The area, among the most striking in Abruzzo, is characterized by an impressive natural canyon, created by the erosion of the Aterno River, and is home to numerous naturalistic, archaeological, artistic, historical and religious emergencies. The Reserve takes its name from the renowned Hermitage of San Venanzio, a fascinating rock church built near the mouth straddling the gorge. This marks the transition to the verdant alluvial plain that is home to groves and sulfur water springs.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Walk along the ancient Uccole aqueduct immersed in the spectacular nature
Learn about the history of the first capital of Italy
Follow the route of an ancient aqueduct

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